[ZESTCaste] Prakash Jha blinks, ready to make cuts in Aarakshan

Headlines Today Bureau | New Delhi, August 11, 2011 | Updated 11:14 IST The makers of Aarakshan have agreed to minor changes in the movie to satify demands of pro-Dalit groups. This was decided after director Prakash Jha met Republican Party of India (RPI) leader Ramdas Athavale to clear the air about the film, which has been described as anti-Dalit by the groups opposed to it.

Jha, flanked by Athavale, addressed a press meet in Mumbai and said that his film has now been cleared by groups, which were earlier opposed to it. He promised that the changes in the movie will keep the sensibilities of all sections in mind. This comes after the UP and Punjab governments put a ban on release of Aarakshan.

"We are ready for changes to address hurt feelings. We are ready for minor cuts as per objections raised," Jha told reporters on Thursday.

Now a day ahead of the release of the film, security has been tightened at the residence of Amitabh Bachchan and Saif Ali Khan in Mumbai. Security was stepped up at the houses of Bachchan and Khan as a precautionary measure after the attack on Jha's house and office.

Punjab, UP ban film Earlier, trouble for Aarakshan grew. After the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes on Wednesday called for cuts, the Punjab government came out and put a hold on the release of the film in the state a day after Uttar Pradesh banned it.

The Punjab government has imposed a ban on the screening of the movie, which is based on reservation, till a screening committee previews it and submits its report.

The screening committee will meet later on Thursday to view the film and submit its report on Friday. The seven-member panel comprises two vice-chancellors, two senior IAS officers, two backward caste leaders and a government representative.

According to an official spokesman, the Punjab government took this decision after receiving Intelligence Reports that the movie has certain scenes and dialogues, which may upset some communities in the state.

The Mayawati government banned the release of the controversial film in Uttar Pradesh for two months on the grounds it would create law and order problem in the state.

A decision to ban the film, which is due to hit the screens on Friday, was taken late on Wednesday night following a recommendation by a high-level official committee set up by the BSP government.

The committee comprising principal secretaries of finance, information, higher education and rural development departments and an official of entertainment tax committee had watched the film and submitted their report to the state government.

The official committee felt that its screening would create law and order problem in UP due to alleged objectionable dialogue in the film. The committee was of the view that the film's dialogues could create hatred in the society.

SC/ST panel's plea Meanwhile, SC/ST panel chairperson P.L. Punia said on Thursday, "We have seen the film. Few dialogues are very objectionable. We have communicated to the Censor Board to get these portions deleted. Now we have no role and it is for the board to decide."

Punia on Wednesday had asked for a detailed investigation by the Censor Board, demanding a revision of the dialogues that are anti-Dalit. He also said in its current form, the film is likely to create communal tension. "Aarakshan has failed. It is likely to create communal tension," Punia said on Wednesday.

However, the Censor Board says it is not bound by law to listen to the SC/ST panel chairman, saying after the Bombay HC vacated the stay, Aarakshan could be released in theatres.

Chairperson of the Censor Board Leela Samson has said, "The HC's judgement is very clear. This is the victory of freedom of speech and of every Indian and I am not against the SC community. In fact, I am sympathetic towards their cause and I understand Mr Punia's worries."

The film has been in the middle of controversies for several weeks before its release. While some believe that the film is anti-Dalit, others feel it might create unrest because of the sensitive issues it deals with.

The Bombay High Court vacated a stay on the film on Tuesday. The Madras High court too vacated the stay it had imposed over non-payment of dues. The film is set for release this Friday.

The film has been passed by the Censor Board with a U/A certificate. The certificate was awarded after an examining committee, set up with representatives from the Dalit, OBC, SC and ST community, reviewed the movie.

Speaking to Headlines Today, Jha had said earlier, "My film has all mandatory clearances. I'm responsible enough. My judgements should be honoured."

Besides Bachchan and Khan, the film also stars Deepika Padukone, Manoj Bajpayee and Prateik Babbar.

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